1995 Caterham 21 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1447 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1995 Caterham 21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 543 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1995 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 1995 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 21 | CL |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 2095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 90 L |
